September 16, 2021
With eggs that remain dormant for long periods before hatching, fleas can present a persistent problem for the Canberra householder. Hundreds of eggs are deposited by just one female flea, hidden away in your carpet, in wall cracks, in your pet’s rest areas. And while they don’t carry diseases that affect humans in Australia, flea bites will cause skin irritation and they can become infected, leading to other health problems. Symptoms can include extreme itchiness, red swollen patches of skin, blisters, and in rare cases secondary infections that can lead to disease. For your pets, it’s a different story. The fleas carry diseases that can be directly carried from one animal to another, and they also cause skin and fur irritations, infections and allergies. Do houses without pets have fleas? It’s a common misconception that if you don’t have pets then your home won’t attract fleas. Keep in mind that other animals such as stray cats and dogs that have been on the grounds, and other pests that may have been inside the house or in the roof, such as mice, rats, and squirrels, will carry fleas. The best preventative measure is to make certain there is never any rubbish or debris left lying around the house or property, and to keep the residence thoroughly swept and vacuumed. This includes hardwood floors as well as carpets, as fleas exist on both. If a problem persists, or if it is an infestation you’re dealing with, call in a professional Canberra pest control expert. Preventing fleas when you have pets Although the cat flea is the most common flea in Australia, it is not restricted to cats. It will attack other animals such as dogs and rodents, and it will also jump to humans. There are a number of ways to combat the spread of fleas, beginning with washing your pet’s bedding regularly and at the highest water temperature. Also, make certain that feeding dishes are not left unattended and are washed soon after mealtime, thereby minimising the places these tiny parasites can invade. Flea treatments for your pets, and household sprays, used regularly, will help restrict the spread of fleas. However, these tiny, wingless insects are insistent, and a pest control treatment will help eradicate the eggs and larvae that are lying in wait and are invisible to the eye. A1 Professional Pest Control is experienced in applying the most modern, effective and humane methods of eliminating fleas and other pest infestations in Canberra. Contact us today if your property is having a problem.